June 1, 2014 11:35am EDTJune 1, 2014 11:35am EDTWhen he tees off at 1:45 ET, Watson will find himself a stroke ahead of final-round playing partner Scott Langley. Ahead of him will be Hideki Matsuyama, who began the day two strokes behind; and world No. 1 Adam Scott, three strokes behind Watson when his day began.Rory McIlroy, left; Bubba Watson(AP Photo)

Three solid days at Muirfield Village have Bubba Watson in the lead at the Memorial, seeking a PGA Tour victory to go with his Master title. Winning also would put Watson in fine shape for the U.S. Open, which begins June 12.

Two solid days have Rory McIlroy at least within sight of Watson and the others atop the leaderboard. It's that second day, that god-awful poor 78, that keeps him from being a title contender on Sunday.

When he tees off at 12:35 ET, McIlroy will find himself tied for 14th.

When he tees off at 1:45 ET, Watson will find himself a stroke ahead of final-round playing partner Scott Langley. Ahead of him will be Hideki Matsuyama, who began the day two strokes behind; and world No. 1 Adam Scott, three strokes behind Watson when his day began.

McIlroy opened with a 62 to lead the Memorial by three strokes. Friday's 78 included three consecutive double-bogeys.

Saturday, he turned things around in the third round. McIlroy shot a 69 which left him feeling buoyant and upbeat.

"I played well on the back nine," he said, the opposite of what he did in the second round. "I had an eagle on 11 and then finished the round off really well. I finished with three 3s, which a few guys out there will take this afternoon."

He added, "I'm really happy with the finish. I'm not quite in the mix or in contention, but I'm pretty close. Another good score tomorrow and we'll see how it goes."

Watson had no such trouble, delivering three rounds in the 60s. Even with a bogey on his final hole Saturday, he had a 3-under 69. Watson is 11 under on the par 5s, the key to scoring.

"It's all about maturity," Watson said. "Thinking around the golf course a lot better — it's my ninth year on tour, so better thinking on the golf course is creating better shots."

A contender the past two years, Watson knows he has a shot at victory.

"I'd like the same score tomorrow and let the boys beat me if they can beat me," he said.